User manual MAMIYA 645PROTL

Instructions Congratulations on your purchase of the Mamiya 645 PRO TL Mamiya pioneered the 6 x 4.5 film format and introduced the world's first 645 SLR in 1975. The 645 PRO TL is the latest masterpiece in this series and Incorporates all the latest mechanical, electronic and optical advances. Its external appearance, too, has been modernized and its ergonomic design further enhanced. We are sure that you will enjoy the many advantages this camera and its accessories offer and want to particularly mention : The 645 PRO TL has a built-in self-timer (delayed shutter release) which will also facilitate time exposures. Attaching special leaf shutter lenses will automatically set the focal plane shutter to 1/8 sec. Heavy duty gears connect to the improved Power Drive Grip WG401, This grip also automatically cocks the leaf shutter lenses and permits remote control. The AE Prism Finder FE401, specially created for this camera, automates exposure and shows LED safety signals. 35mm film holders now come with panoramic adapters. A super fast 300mm f/2.8 APO lens was also designed for this camera. We are convinced that your camera will serve you well, because we have designed it for heavy professional use. However, we ask you to please read all operating instructions carefully before you put your equipment to work, in order to ensure proper operation and maximum results This manual covers the basic camera. Separate instructions are supplied with all system accessories, including lenses, finders, film holders, etc. For additional information please feel free to contact your authorized Mamiya dealer or the Mamiya importer in your country. Contents Special Features of the Mamiya 645 PRO TL ....... 3 Names and Functions of Parts .............................. 7 Attaching and Removing Lenses ........................ 10 Attaching and Removing the Roll Film Holders. 11 Attaching and Removing the Viewfinder ............ 12 Removing and Attaching the Film Advance Crank ...................................................................... 13 Inserting the Battery ............................................. 14 Battery Check ........................................................ 15 Shutter Release Selector ...................................... 16 Shutter Performance Test .................................... 17 Before Film Loading ............................................. 16 Film Loading .......................................................... 19 Advancing the Film to the First Frame.. .............. 21 Shutter Speed Settings. ........................................ 22 Aperture Ring/Stop-down Operation.. ................. 23 Focusing ................................................................ 24 Depth of Field ........................................................ 25 Film Advance and Unloading Exposed Film ...... 26 Using the Self-timer/Delayed Shutter Release.. 27 Time Exposures .................................................... 26 Multiple Exposures ............................................... 26 Mirror Lock-up Photography.. .............................. 29 Infrared Photography.. .......................................... 30 Using a Tripod ....................................................... 30 Flash Photography.. .............................................. 31 Holding the Camera Steady and Securely.. ........ 35 Attaching and Removing the Neck Strap.. .......... 36 Basic Accessories ................................................ 37 System Chart ......................................................... 39 Trouble Shooting .................................................. 40 Mamiya 645 PRO TL Specifications .................... 41 Things to Watch .................................................... 43 Common Sense Camera Care and Practice ....... 44 Special Features of the Mamiya 645 PRO TL 1. Image Area about 3X larger than 35mm Format 3. Interchangeable Rollfilm Holder System - Bigger is better -The 6X4.5cm image size is about 3x larger than 35mm and therefore produces far superior results. It is large enough to be viewed without magnifier and its aspect ratio of about 1.25 (long side : short side) matche s the standard 8 x 10 inch "ideal format", the most popular in photography and industrial use. It requires minimum cropping and gives maximum film utilization. (15 or 30 exposures on 120 or 220 film respectively) -120, 220, 35mm, 35mm Panoramic and Polaroid -Permits quick film change, even in mid-roll. Many fail safe features prevent accidental exposures or film waste. 2. Rugged, Versatile and Reliable Camera Body - Built for professional use -Mamiya pioneered the 645 SLR camera system in 1975 to create medium format image quality with 35mm handling ease. New models have periodically followed over the years to keep in step with mechanical, optical and electronic advances 4. Interchangeable Viewfinders 1. AE Prism Finder FE401 The AE (automatic exposure) Prism Finder FE401 features three modes of TTL metering, including automatic switching from center-weighted averaging to spot metering. It also has a +3EV exposure compensation adjustment. 2. AE Finder FK402 Light weight, Keplerian (non prism) AE aperture priority finder offers an unreversed, upright image Features telescoping eyepiece with diopter adjustment from +5 to -5. 3. Prism Finder PF401 The Prism Finder PF401 is without metering electronics and designed for manual photography mode. Both Prism Finders show an unreversed, upright image and are ideal for eyelevel photography. 4. Waist Level Finder N The Waist level Finder N is desirable for low angle photograhpy and particularly for horizontal composition. A self erecting hood with built-in magnifier shields groundglass from all ambient light. A built-in sportsfinder permits eyelevel viewing and is ideal for action photography. 5. Interchangeable Focusing Screens The camera comes with a Type E, bright, split image, micro prism screen, useful for most applications. Five other types, for all specialized requirements, are also available. 6. Large Selection of World-Class Mamiya Lenses Mamiya's in-house optical engineering and manufacturing department produces lenses specially designed for the medium format, of unsurpassable resolution, contrast and color fidelity. From 24mm Fisheye to 500mm telephoto, plus macro, zoom and APO lenses, these lenses have become the choice of the pros. 7. Motorized Power Drive Grips Two accessory motorized drives, interchangeable with the manual film advance crank, are incorporated into an ergonomically designed grips for easy, right handed camera operation. Model WG 401 requires 6 AA batteries and features multiple exposure switch, cable release socket, battery check and continuous shooting. It also can be used with leaf shutter lenses. Model WG402, a simplified version, permits only individual exposures, uses one 6 Volt lithium battery and is much lighter. Self-timer for delayed shutter release. When activated it will light a red pilot lamp in the front of the camera for eight seconds and will blink for two seconds before triggering the shutter. Time exposures are made by utilizing the Self-timer and the "B" shutter setting. A new power saving circuit design switches the battery off and extends is life. 9. TTL (through-the-lens) Flash Exposure Automation 8 . A Broad Accessory System For Specialized Applications A useful accessory system to serve the specialized needs of the photographer. It includes Auto Bellows and Auto Extension Rings for close-up and copying work; Infrared Remote Control for studio and nature photography; External Battery Case for operating in cold surroundings; Camera Grips for convenient holding and more. The light that hits the film surface during exposure is reflected to a photoreceptor within the camera body which automatically adjusts the flash output to the required level. 10 . Other Features After focusing, the mirror can be locked up before making an exposure. This is convenient when the camera is used at slow shutter speeds and is mounted on a tripod for telephotography, copywork, etc., since even a very small amount of vibration should be eliminated. Shutter will be released 10 seconds after shutter button is pressed. When making time exposures, the battery circuit is automatically disconnected, to save battery power. This is especially useful for astrophotography. Names and Functions of Parts @ Focusing Screen N Aperture Ring Coupling This pin is fitted into the E Meter Coupler of the l transmit the aperture dat AE Prism Finder. Battery Check Lamp Focusing Screen Release Pin When you want to change the screen, slide this pin to the left and remove the screen. Shutter Release Selector Align the white index dot on the selector collar with the white square dot in the center for normal use. When the collar is turned to the red dot, the release is locked. To use the Self-timer, set it to e.. Shutter Release Button Mirror l Never touch the surface of the mirror Battery Check Button/ LED displays the present battery condition. 0 left, the contact appears. This contact is used for connections of external releases such as a 13 Gold Plated Contacts These contacts interface the AE Prism Finder with the IS0 dial on the film holder and the shutter speeds. Hot-shoe (X contact) A cordless flash can be used with this shoe. Flash Sync Terminal Flash cord and optional Terminal Adapter RA401 can be connected to this terminal. \ tro' Pin Coupling Connector for 6- u"it. dedicated TTL flash automation. (Such as Metz SCA396) Finder Coupling Panel (Front) tl Finder Coupling Panel (Rear) /' This contact receives film sensitivity data from the film holder. S h u t t e r S p e e d Dial L o c k Release Button This button is used for unlocking the Shutter Speed Dial from an AE position Film Holder Mount Shutter Curtain Exposures are controlled by opening and closing the curtain: a Never touch the surface of this curtain. Film Transport GearFilm Holder Mounting Bracket Multiple Exposure Lever When this lever is set at "MULTI", film is not advanced even when the Film Advance Crank is turned, thus allowing multiple exposures on the same film frame. Distance Scale The camera to subject distance can be set or confirmed with this scale Lens Alignment Dot Depth-of-field Scale Provides a quick reading of depthof-field for various apertures and distances. Exposure Meter Coupler This coupler is engaged with the Aperture Ring Coupling Pin, transmitting diaphragm information to the AE Prism Finder. Tripod Socket 1/4' tripod socket. To convert to a 3/8' socket, remove the small screw in the base of the socket. Then remove the bushing. See page 32. @ Attaching and Removing Lenses 0 Removing the Front Body Cap and Rear Cover Attaching the Lens Removing the Lens. First remove the Front Body Cap in the direction of the arrow, while pushing the Lens Release Button 8 backwards as indicated by arrow. Rear Body Protective Cover can be readily removed by depressing the part of @ as shown in the illustration. Line up red Lens Alignment Dot 0 against red camera Alignment Dot $3 and gently insert the lens into the camera body. Then turn the lens clock wise, as indicated by arrow, until it clicks into place. Make sure that the Aperture Ring Coupler Pin is engaged with the Exposure Meter Coupling Pin @I,, which sticks out under the Mamiya name plate of the camera. While pushing lens release button @ backwards, turn lens counterclockwise. (Same procedure as removing body cap). Attaching and Removing the Roll Film Holder Removing the Rear Body Cap Attaching the Roll Film Holder Rear Body Protective Cover can be readily removed by depressing the part of 0 as shown in the illustration. *After removing the rear cap, be careful not to touch the shutter blind. This can cause breakage of shutter. * Remove the Roll Film Holder Cover. 1. While spanning the Roll Film Holder between your thumb and middle finger, holding it on the rubberized finger rests, carefully align its Film Holder Mounting Bracket with the corresponding center clip of the camera body. 2. While keeping this alignment, press the upper part of the Roll Film Holder against the camera body, so that it clicks into place by engaging the spring loaded twin camera catch. Attaching and Removing the Viewfinder Removing the Roll Film Holder Attaching the Finder. Removing the Finder 1. Insert the Dark slide into the slot marked by White Lines on the side of the holder. 2. Push the lower one of the Film Holder Detaching Lock Release Button @ downward, while simultaneously pushing the Film Holder Detaching Button @$ inward. * If the Dark Slide is not inserted, the safety lock will prevent the holder from being removed. Lift the Upper Cover from the camera body. Insert the Attaching Latches of the finder into the Finder Coupling Panel @I in the front wall of the body. Press the finder down until the rear latch locks securely in place. Spanning the finder with your fingers, push the button on its right side marked with a downward pointing arrow @ @I, downward, while pushing the other button, on the left side @ 0, inward. Removing and Attaching the Film Advance Crank Removing the Crank Attaching the Crank Push the lock Lever `&> on its bottom in a forward direction as far as it will go (see illustration). With the flat part, having a White Index Line, on top, line the Crank up against its mounting plate on the side of the body and push Film Advance Crank Lock Lever backward. You may choose six different crank starting positions to suit your preference. The orientation of the crank proper against its base, before it is attached to the camera, will be maintained when the entire assembly is locked into place. 0 Inserting the Battery The camera will not function without a battery With your fingernail, pull the Battery Chamber Cover latch, on the bottom of the camera body, as indicated by the arrow in the illustration. Lift the cover off. The camera requires a 6V alkaline, silver oxide or lithium battery. It is a good idea to wipe the battery terminals before insertion to assure proper contact. Observe polarity. Q position is marked in battery cavity. Insert the G side first at a steep angle and then push entire battery into place, making sure that the lift ribbon wraps around battery. Close cover by inserting twin-prong end first and pushing it down. * Be particularly careful not to let the lift ribbon cover the c" terminal. Batterv Check Important: 1. The sealed, new battery which is supplied with this camera may have been subject to storage conditions which have reduced its service life. Therefore it is desirable to replace it with a fresh battery as soon as possible. 2. Carefully wipe the battery contacts before inserting into the chamber. Failure to do so may result in poor electrical contact and consequent malfunctioning of the camera. 3. Always remove battery when camera is not used for a while. Always carry spare batteries. 4. Battery life differs, depending on type, age. storage condition, ambient temperature, frequency Of use etc. Battery strength will be indicated by whether the light: Glows ... Battery stength is sufficient. Blinks ... Battery capacity has dropped below the allowable level. (Replace the battery.) Does not light .,..... The camera will not work. (Replace the battery.) Press Battery Check Button "B.C." 8 on lower front of the camera. Battery Check Lamp @I on top opposite side should light. Bright light indicates good condition. Blinking light means replace battery. No light means battery is dead or improperly inserted. Shutter Release Selector When set to the yellow clock symbol ti' the self-timer is operative. See page 27 and 28 for further instructions. 3. After releasing the shutter, the Film Advance Crank will automatically unlock and be ready to advance the film. Operating the Shutter Release Button 1. The Shutter Release Button SJ functions in two steps. Gentle pressure will light the metering information display if the AE Prism Finder is used. Continued pressure will release the electromagnetic shutter. 2. If the film is not completely advanced, if the Dark Slide is not withdrawn or if the battery is dead, the shutter will not function, even when the Shutter Release Button is pressed. This will also be the case if the Shutter Speed Dial is set to "A" or "AEL" when the AE Prism Finder is not attached. For normal operation set the White Dot of the Shutter Release Selector (8 against the White Square Dot 0. When set to the Red Dot 0, the Release Button is locked. * Select this mode if the camera will be idle for a period and to prevent accidental shutter release. Also when the Power Drive Grip is used. a3 Shutter Performance Test 1. Attach the Roll Film Holder to the camera body. 2. Pull out the Dark Slide and place it into its Storage Slot. 3. Set the Shutter Speed Dial to any other position than `A"or "AEL". When the AE Prism Finder is not mounted on the camera, the shutter will not release if the Shutter Speed Dial is in the "A" or "AEL" position, the film holder is supplied with a vinyl tube. When placed in the take-up compartment it engages the film sensor and makes the holder function as if it is loaded with film. Please remove the tube 4. Set the Multiple Exposure Lever on the body to the "MULTI" position. Before Film Loading Film Speed (ISO) Dial r Memo Clip ,IL ! -I 5. Set the Shutter Release Selector to " 0 " (normal mode), and press the Shutter Release Button. 6. After the shutter has been released, advance the Film Advance Crank one complete revolution and the next frame will be ready. Each film holder has this important feature. It electronically interfaces the film holder with the AE Prism Finder, the focal plane shutter and the lens diaphragm, for exposure automation. This eliminates the need of having to manually reset the meter, every time you change film holders loaded with different films. Therefore make it a routine to always set this dial with the speed of the loaded film. IS0 25 The Memo Clip on the back of the Roll Film Holder Cover accepts the box top of the film carton and can also be used for other reminders. Film Speed Index of film holder 800 1600 3200 50 100 200 400 6400 (32)(40) (64)(80) (125)(1601 (X0)(320) (5001(6401(10001(1250) (2ooo)c25oo,(4oao)(sooo) 0 Film Loading 1. While pushing the Back Cover Lock Release Button 8 downward, press the Back Cover Opening Button @;:, and the Back Cover will open. 2. While squeezing in on both sides of the Release Latch CQ, pull the Roll Film Insert out of the camera body. At that time, move the empty spool in the upper part down to the lower spool compartment When you load film for the first time, remove and discard the protective paper cover which is attached to the film rails in the roll film holder. 3. Align the right-hand side of this empty spool with the lower Spool Stud `8 (convex). Slide the spool into position making sure that the leftside of the spool is properly held by the Spool Clip.